KOMPAS.com – Butterfly flower or Clitoria ternatea is a herbal plant that has various health benefits.
This flower is known for its purplish blue color and shape that resembles a butterfly, so it is often referred to as butterfly peas in English.
The anthocyanin content in telang flowers gives them their distinctive blue color as well as health benefits, such as helping reduce arterial stiffness and lowering blood pressure.
Also read: Why does butterfly pea flower tea change color?
Apart from that, this flower also contains oleic acid, a good fatty acid that can reduce inflammation in the body.
However, even though it has many benefits, excessive consumption of butterfly pea flowers can trigger various adverse side effects. Here are some of the dangers of butterfly pea flowers that you should be aware of:
1. Nausea
According to Destri Lestari Widodo in the book Healthy Living Philosophyconsumption of butterfly pea flowers can cause nausea in some people, especially those with sensitive digestive systems.
Pregnant women are also advised not to consume excessive butterfly pea flower tea because of the side effects that can affect the womb.
Before consuming, consult your doctor first to get a safe dose.
2. Stomach ache and diarrhea
Some people report experiencing stomach ache and diarrhea after consuming butterfly pea flowers. However, there has been no scientific research that directly links the consumption of butterfly pea flowers to digestive disorders.
Also read: Recipe for butterfly pea flower tea, which can change from blue to purple
As a precaution, always consult a doctor before using butterfly pea flowers as herbal medicine.
3. Allergies
Like other food ingredients, butterfly pea flowers can also cause allergic reactions in some individuals. This allergy occurs when the immune system misrecognizes certain substances as threats.
Allergy symptoms that appear can include rashes, bumps, itching, or even more serious reactions such as anaphylaxis, which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
4. Skin irritation
Apart from the risk of allergies, applying butterfly pea flowers directly to the skin, especially for a long time, can cause irritation.
The active substance content in butterfly pea flowers has the potential to damage the skin’s protective layer, including facial skin around sensitive areas such as the eyes. This can make the skin more sensitive and susceptible to irritation.
Also read: 5 Benefits of Butterfly Flowers for the Body, Help Lose Weight
Currently, there are no regulations regarding how much to consume butterfly pea flowers per day. It’s different for every person.
Before consuming it, especially if you have certain health conditions or are pregnant, it is important to consult a doctor to prevent unwanted side effects.
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